Angry? P.O.ed? Why??? Because, IT IS YOUR FAULT, not mine!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Anger causes many problems.  When you are angry and yell at someone or express yourself either verbally or physically; the only one who profits from this is YOU!  You let off steam and now you feel better.  So what?   You now have destroyed all communication around you, caused others to become upset, and for what?  A ball game, a meal cooked wrong (in your eyes), a vehicle won't start, the house is a wreck, or whatever it may be.  How self centered and conceded you must be.
   Yeah, well I just tell it like it is.  Hmmm! That is not always good.  Words of wisdom from a president;  Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.  Abe Lincoln.
    Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."   Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper; it does not work well.  Think about this.  Yes, I am talking to you--YOU--stop and think what anger does to your family, your spouse, your children, your friends.  Who wants to be around you?  Not me!
   Proverbs 29:22 "an angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression."
Let me share a short story with you.  I used to be a head girls coach in basketball, high school girls.  I went to a particular school where their record was not exemplary and 8 wins in a season was a victory.
   I coach, I don't scream and holler.  Let me chase a rabbit a moment:  If you mishandle a basketball and throw it out of bounds---what good does it do for someone to yell at you and tell you--"you threw the ball out of bounds"-- you already know that.  Why not offer something constructive instead of destructive.
  Okay, back to the team.  When the girls on my team would make a mistake my comment was usually something in the nature of  "that's okay, you learned something, now let's go on, play ball."  When they were not afraid of being yelled at and ridiculed openly in public they actually played better.  The correction comes at practice and still in teaching mode not anger mode.
   We were favored to be DL in our district (Dead Last). But through encouragement, not wrath, we ended the season with 12 or 14 wins, a high for these girls. 
   Again, Proverbs 15:1 (Life App) "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."    Please remember, a nasty and quick temper can be like a fire out of control, burning us and everyone in its path.  Anger divides people.  It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt.  Anger, in itself, is not wrong, IF, IF it is a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin.
    When you feel yourself getting angry--look at the cause: if reacting to sin--OK; if not sin--NO KAY!  Pray that God will help you control a quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance. Food for thought. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny

Cult? Gang? Social Gather? Terrorist? Jesus Christ? Which is yours?

Good morning all.   God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!
    Hmmmmm!   Social gathering?   cult?   gang?   I once took a friend with me to visit the church I attended.  Afterwards I asked what they thought.  The response was: "it was a nice social gathering."
   Of this I did take offense as I heard the word of God preached, I heard salvation through Jesus Christ preached, and I thought the service was good.  However, this does provoke thought.  Why do we have social gatherings?  Why are there cults?  Why are there gangs?  Why do people join ISIS?
    Human nature says I want to be a part of something.  I want to be accepted, to feel needed/important. Just to be part of 'something' is important to us.  We tend to become ritualistic in much of what we do. For example: Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic, or any other religious group, even cults and gangs have a certain way to do things when all together; specific recitations, a certain order, and it is all COMFORTABLE!
   Do we understand what we are saying/doing?  Really?  The Pharisee and Sadducees  were "religious" meaning they went through their rituals to "lead the people to God" and we know how that turned out.
   There are over 5,000 cults in America today.  We have not seen any as dramatic as Heaven's Gate. Jim Jones, or Branch Davidian lately; but it could happen. How many gangs or terrorist groups?  Who knows.  Why do people seek out these other venues and not turn to Christ.  Very simple. 
 Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit); for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
  Life application Bible says, "But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit.  It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means."
   So, what do we do?  The non-Christians cannot understand spiritual truths and they cannot comprehend the idea that God's Spirit lives in believers; so........plant seeds, tell them stories about God, about Christ, interesting things from the Bible, but always sharing the right of salvation through Jesus Christ.
   Don't expect these people to approve of or understand your decision to follow Christ.  It just seems silly and besides "I don't see God doing anything"-they quip.  Maintain a line of communication, DO NOT BE SILENT, even if you know you make be mocked or ridiculed.  As the song goes: Stand up Stand up for Jesus; or  Standing on the Promises of Christ my LORD.
   ISIS  executes Christians; gangs believe in themselves; cults have their own different set of beliefs; but what are your beliefs?   Yes, the cliche` gets old, but once again: sitting in church makes you a Christian as much as sitting in a garage makes you a car.
    How would you respond today if someone asked you about your faith?  Love you all!
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

A gift from God - a wife!!!

Good morning friends and acquaintances.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
   Well, did you think about it---friend OR acquaintance?  Food for thought.  Now, here is another verse that will be food for you today.  Again, Proverbs 18: ²² Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
   As one of my commentaries states - a good wife is a gift from Yahweh.  It is not just a luck in the draw that brings such a blessed union.  A good wife is one of the highest expressions of the LORD's favor.
   Marriage should be enjoyed, and thought of as a gift, a wedding gift from God.  God created marriage for our good and HE pronounced it good.  We, who are married, should see our marriages as great treasures - guard and protect you marriage.  Many have had multiple marriages (me being one), however, when we have a marriage grounded, yes, grounded in God and His word; it is truly a marriage made in heaven.
   I thank God for my wife, and, too, ask forgiveness for past marriages where I left God out of the equation.  Look around, many people are leaving God out of their marriages and marry whomever, or live with whomever and IT IS OKAY!  IT IS NOT OKAY!  Marriage is from God, it is a hallowed event--treat it as such.
  Let me leave you with these verses to ponder:  Proverbs 5:15-19--

¹⁵ Now, about sex and marriage: Drink only the water that comes from your own well, ¹⁶ and don’t let your water flow out into the streets. ¹⁷ Keep it for yourself, and don’t share it with strangers. ¹⁸ Be happy with your own wife. Enjoy the woman you married while you were young. ¹⁹ She is like a beautiful deer, a lovely fawn. Let her love satisfy you completely. Stay drunk on her love, ²⁰ and don’t go stumbling into the arms of another woman.  
Love you all.
  In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Friend? OR.........acquaintance? Proverbs 18:24

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   FRIEND!  May I call you friend; or would acquaintance be a better description?  The definition of an acquaintance is: a person whom one knows slightly; knowledge from personal experience.
Friend is: a person whom one knows well and is fond of; a supporter, an ally, a sympathizer.
   So, look around you and check.  Proverbs 18:24 ²⁴ A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
   Okay, here is the shocker when I was studying this.  In Hebrew the word - hithroea (a man of friends) is used which means to destroy or bring destruction.  Hmm!  What this is saying is one who lays himself out to make many "friends" good or bad, is walking on a road to destruction, to downfall.  These people will use him, exhaust his resources, but when calamity comes where are they?  No where to be found or they are too busy.
   It is not the number of "friends" that will be useful to you, but "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."  And what, pray tell, does this mean?  A true friend is one who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed--good times or bad times.  It is better to have 1 true friend than dozens, even hundreds of artificial or fair weather friends.  
   So, again I ask, are we friends or merely acquaintances? If I am in trouble can I call on you? Can you call on me? We have "friends" on facebook; we post something and get numerous "likes", but how real or how artificial is this?  Hmm! (he says scratching his chin).
   Proverbs 17: 17  A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
 Acquaintances could be called 'fair weather friends' meaning when all is going well they are around. When adversity strikes they are no where to be found.  I would like to think I am a true friend to you, however, when the chips are down----will I really be there?   Would you really be there for me?
   Yes, I know I have some friends that would be there for me.  After 66 years of life, I have many acquaintances.  Yes, I rejoice when I see them, but it is short lived for us both, then we return to our own little worlds of reality.  If you consider me a friend---I thank you and I hope and pray, that in turn, I will be that true friend to you.  Love you all.
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny

Shut up! Listen! Be open! Get the facts! Proverbs 18:13,15,17

Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Proverbs!  Did you know Proverbs is divided into parts?  Chapters 1-7 is instruction to sons; 8-9 praising wisdom; 10-19 Goodness vs evil; part 4, chapters 20-29 warnings and instructions; part 5 , chapter 30 the words of Agur; and part 6 is words of King Lemuel.
   Let us look today at goodness vs evil, chapter 18 verses 13, 15, 17.  How to make sound or good decisions.  What should we do?  Well, let us start with verse 13: ¹³ He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
 This is pretty much a shut up and listen first statement.  If you do not know all the facts, how can you possibly respond.  Get the facts first!
  ¹⁵ The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
 Do not set yourself up with a prejudiced idea or perception.  Be open to new ideas, new thoughts.  Because you perceive something one way, does not mean that is the way it is.  Gain knowledge so you can make an educated and wise decision.
  ¹⁷ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Oh, how many times do we do this?!?  Someone tells you one thing, you believe it and do not get all the facts.  Think of it this way; the first one to speak sounds right, UNTIL, the cross-examination begins.  Wow!!  How often do we hear one side of the story and wish to jump to the defense of that person; OR, possibly tell them what to do or how to correct; yet all the facts are not in.
   We need to use the Dragnet approach:  "Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts." (Dragnet is an old old police tv show)
    So, what are these verses saying?  1. shut up and listen; 2. be open to new thoughts/ideas; 3. get all the facts.  Now is that so hard?  Well, yes it is.  It seems we tend to jump to conclusions quickly and set up in our mind how things should be.  Take time with God; you have talents given to you by God; visit with Him, and do the right thing.  Remember, Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other, Jesus is the way.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace,
   Johnny
 

 

Oh LORD, the devil ain’t a cryin’!

Good morning all!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

    Oh, LORD, the devil ain’t a cryin!  What does this mean to you?  I heard this story from a Christian singing group about when they were in New York just trying to make it.  Walking down the street he saw a black man on his knees saying over and over, “Oh, LORD, the devil ain’t a cryin’!”

    What does this mean?  Well, as Christians we are not doing enough—not sharing the word, not telling others about Jesus, not living the word, and how do we know this?  ‘Cause the devil ain’t a cryin’. 

   Brothers and sisters, if we were sharing the word and giving all we have for Jesus, for God, and walking in the Holy Spirit, then the devil would be cryin, he would be sending more demons out to attack quicker and more viciously.  Yes, many things are happening and we all believe the end is near.

    Satan has read the same book and knows, so there is some urgency to his plight in changing the ending of the book we so fondly refer to as the Bible.  He firmly believes he can overcome and change the Bible’s ending, however, we know better. BUT, do we stand on the promises.  Look at 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    Satan thought he won at the Garden, he thought he won when Jesus was put on the cross, he felt victorious until…………JESUS CHRIST AROSE FROM THE DEAD!!  Therefore, for Christians death is no longer a dread or fear; death has been defeated and we have hope beyond the grave through grace.  (notice 1 letter different from grave to grace)  So, again, what must we do?

    1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD.”

   Paul is telling us that because of the resurrection, nothing we do is useless.  We may become apathetic about serving the LORD because we don’t see immediate results.  However, knowing that JESUS CHRIST has won the ultimate victory should affect the way we live right now.  I ask and pray, friend, that you and I do not let anything keep us from doing the work of the LORD enthusiastically when the opportunity affords itself.  Oh, LORD, help us make the devil go a cryin’.  Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace

Johnny

Corrupt or Incorrupt? How is your belief?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

    Last night I watched a movie,  Night Falls on Manhattan.  Yes, there was some use of words I don’t approve of, yet I endured.  The plot is of a young man you became a police office and had his dad, then while on the force he studied nights, weekends, and whenever to become a lawyer.

    Why did he do this?  Because he believed in the system; that justice for all will prevail.  In his quest, by fluke, his father, now a detective was shot, he was an assistant district attorney, and by fluke caught the cities biggest drug dealer.  The DA chose him,  Sean Casey, to be the prosecuting attorney.  Him, a rookie, an Assistant DA.   This was his big break and he ended up being the DA.

   He wanted truth and justice for all; no matter who you were; where you were from;  nothing mattered except justice.  To make a long story short, he finds corrupt officers, people of position who tainted or twisted the truth, and he found what he really believed in—truth and justice for all—was not a reality. There was corruption everywhere and the decision was how to deal with it.

   Now you are saying how does this relate to us as Christians?   In Scofield study Bible, KJV, II Corinthians 2:17 “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”

   Now what does this say to you?  Does this mean you speak the truth of Christ?  It certainly does.  We should not taint the word of God in any way, shape, or form.  If I do, if you do, we shall reap the responsibility for those actions.  Someone says to you, well, I believe in God; we all believe in God but I don’t believe there is just one way to heaven, through one man Jesus Christ!  Do you nod you head, say nothing, and leave the misconception?  I have, and yes I am ashamed I did not stand up for Christ. 

    One must be armed with ammunition, the Bible and its word, when one takes on a non-believer. Let God lead you, but be armed with the B – I- B – L – E - !  Beware of false teachers.  The Life Application Bible says: 17”You see, we are not like the many ‘hucksters’ who preach for personal profit.  We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.”

   What does this say?  Yes, some preachers preach without understanding, they preach for personal gain. They are not concerned about the peoples welfare, they are concerned about the mighty dollar.  So do they prosper?  Probably, however, remember Lazarus and the rich man.  He who has much on earth and knows not Christ will have nothing but torment in death.  The man who knows Christ will have everything in death; LIFE ETERNAL. 

   We live in a land much as the man in the movie; corruption of the Word everywhere and we HAVE to deal with it.  We cannot just “let it go” or “hide our head in the sand” and believe it will go away.  The Muslim faith, the Atheist, ISIS, Al-Quada, etc,;  they all are anti-Christ and their goal is to squash any piece of Christianity they can.  Will you be corrupt or incorruptible?  Love you all.

In Christ’s Love and Grace     Johnny

Will you turn away? Will satan lead your steps? Look at Saul!

Good  morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   It is amazing how short our memory is when we receive help, then become envious or upset we don't receive more help.  Many times if "I" don't get the praise for something, then "I" become upset.  Have you noticed this in people.  Yes, it is called pride, it is called entitlement, it is called many things but the one thing that is not present is GOD!  Letting God lead your thoughts and steps.  How we so push God aside to do "our own thing".  Amazing, huh?!?  
    Not really, when you realize that satan is alive and well, roaming the earth, prince of darkness, prince of this world, it is easy to be steered in the wrong direction by something "enticing" and that looks more appealing.  Wow!  (for scripture click here 1 Samuel 16)
   1 Samuel 16 Saul has an evil spirit; David is chosen by God to relieve this spirit by playing the harp.  1 Samuel 17 David slays Goliath, a 9 foot plus giant with a single stone and he is a hero. Saul loves him.
   1 Samuel 18 Saul hears the women singing Saul slayed thousands, and David ten thousands.  This upsets Saul.  Long story short, David is no longer the "golden haired child" now, but someone Saul envied, began to detest, and then desired to kill David.
   Wow!  How soon one forgets, David, a man of God, delivered the Israelites from the hand of the Philistines; Saul happy and thankful.  Now, David, still a man of God, becomes a fugitive from Saul because of what?  Envy, fear, and the fear of losing "his" kingdom to David.  These elements do strange things to the way people begin to think.  Wow!  Saul, once a great man of God now turning far away from God and what happened?  Things to think about. Have you turned away or against someone through envy, greed, fear, disappointment?  If so, how will you rectify the situation?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

Does God send evil spirits? Does God do this for HIS glory?

Good morning all! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!!
   We say God is good, but, does God ever allow evil to come upon us?  Hmmm!  Good question to ponder.
   Yesterday, God sent Samuel out to pick a man to replace Saul, a man who " was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to."   Well, Samuel anointed David with oil and the spirit of the LORD came upon him (David).  Look at 1 Samuel "¹⁴ But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him."  
  Well, this evil spirit came upon Saul, while the spirit of the LORD came upon David.  Saul's servants recognized what had happened and they went to Saul and said: "¹⁶ Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well."   
  Saul told his servants to find such a person; and, amazingly, one of the servants knew of a man named Jesse who had a son "18......................that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him."   
   Then what happened?  Well, Saul sent a message to Jesse that he should send David, who is with the sheep, to Saul.
   "²³ And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him."   
   Is this a coincidence or was God involved?  Yes, I know, GOD  WAS INVOLVED!!
Many say God does not do evil. Verse 14 -was the evil spirit from God? My question to you, friend, is, did God do evil?  OR  did God just not stop evil?  Please send your comment and view.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
    Johnny
 

Where is your beauty?

Hello All!  A little late getting to you today.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   I awoke mid sleep with what I believe God shared with me.  My sleep was just light slumber, awake from 2ish to 5 a.m.  God was visiting with me and here is what has been laid on my heart.
   ¹⁷ Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
Hmmm!  What the eye sees, the heart desires.  Is everything on the outside what is important?  I think not!  What is on the inside; what is in the heart; that is what makes a person really beautiful.
   Now, Leah was tender eyed - what does this mean to you?  Nice eyes!?  BUT---Rachel was what?.......Beautiful and well favoured.  Jacob was smitten by Rachel's beauty; yet when God blessed the two women, for whom Jacob spent 14 years of his life working to marry; Leah by deceit; Rachel by love; Rachel was barren and Leah bore sons.  A son Reuben, and she wished for Jacob to now love her.  Wow!  To live 7 years plus with a person who tolerates you, yet loves you not.  Leah must have been a really good woman.
   However, there stood jealously and anger between Leah, Rachel and Jacob.   Rachel was barren, Leah had sons, and Jacob could not understand why Rachel was barren, as Jacob asked, "Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?"
   Then, there came a competition between the sisters. Leah was past child bearing, Rachel was barren, so Rachel gave her handmaid to Jacob - she conceived - sons came. Leah then gave her handmaiden to Jacob - she conceived - sons came.  Hmmm! What a tangled web.  
   Now let's jump to a man, Samuel, who was searching for God's anointed. He went to Jesse, had Jesse bring forth his sons, first the oldest - Samuel 6......"looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.⁷ But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
   Jesse went through all his sons, Samuel asked if he had any more sons.  Then Jesse told about David, ¹² And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
    Not what God told Samuel, "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth" - does this make you stop and think?   Many Sundays our pastor prays and asks God to let us see others as He, God, sees them.  David was not "of a beautiful countenance" yet a man of God that God used well.
    Where are you, today?  Are you of beautiful countenance inside that God will use?  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 

Perishable or non-perishable? Why do bad things happen to God's people?

Good morning all.!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Psalm 73 please refer back to this link to read the scripture.  What is going on here?  This goes back to the question many strong Christians have; many so-so Christians, and many new Christians:  Why do bad things happen to the good?  The wicked seem to prosper and continue on with no worries. Why?  Why God, why?
    In Luke, Lazarus, a poor man in the world was rich in the heavenly realm.  The rich man had every thing, sharing not while in the world, yet when it was time for eternity he suffers greatly.
    Psalm 73: God is good to Israel, but I am closing to slipping away, I am at the end of my rope, the edge of my cliff--why?
  I see the proud, the wicked, their live is smooth and, yes, I am envious. Why?
They grow fat and sleek, they appear to have no problems, no trouble in their life, their pride seems to grow large as a balloon being blown up. Why?
   They are prideful, evil, violent, and they scoff at God and threaten others, yet they prosper. Why?
WHERE IS GOD?  WHY DO THEY THRIVE? LORD, WE ARE CONFUSED AND DO NOT UNDERSTAND!!  WHY GOD, WHY?
   God, are you real?  Am I wasting my time trying to be pure, to follow you, to be a good servant of you the Master when all I get is heartache, trouble, and woes?  How do I explain the prosperity of these evil men who hate you, yet they prosper.  I don't understand, LORD, help me!
   So, now, I stop, go to my knees and pray. Psalm 73 " ¹⁶ Yet it is so hard to explain it—this prosperity of those who hate the Lord. ¹⁷ Then one day I went into God’s sanctuary to meditate and thought about the future of these evil men. ¹⁸ What a slippery path they are on—suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction: ¹⁹ an instant end to all their happiness, an eternity of terror. ²⁰ Their present life is only a dream! They will awaken to the truth as one awakens from a dream of things that never really were!"
   Friend, we need not look around at the world with envy; we just need to continue to be faithful to God.  Our reward may not come on this side of heaven, but it will come and be paradise galore!  God will hold our hand, continue to be with us, and when we start viewing the world with envy, lusting after the rich things of this world we need to stop and remember who our creator is, where we will be going, and the blessings we will receive once there.
  May the last 2 verses of Psalm 73 give you great courage and strength: "
²⁷ But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods.
²⁸ But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me.
    The choice is yours:  perishable or non-perishable!!  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 
 
  

"Whatever" OR "Whatever IT TAKES?!?!"

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   How was your weekend?  Full of many spirit filled things I would pray.  My weekend was quite well, visited with other Christians, shared stories, and fell very comfortable with the Lord's people.
    Heard a sermon that really rang a bell - "whatever" OR "whatever it takes"; which one are you.
A church had their pulpit committee searching for a new pastor.  They received an application with a resume' and one member read it aloud.  It began saying he was interested in the job.  He had preached in the past, never for more than 3 years in any one place; did not get along with the ministerial alliance in the towns, had been accused of many things (none true), beaten, thrown in prison, and seemed to cause riots in many places.  However, he was interested in applying for this position.
    The pulpit committee turned a cold shoulder to this applicant, a raised eye brow, for it was definitely a NO vote.  One member asked the name of the applicant: then they heard "signed by the Apostle Paul".
     Wow!  Paul did whatever it took to take the word of Jesus Christ to the people.  His resume' does not read well, but his works say volumes.  Many times as Christians we turn the other way and say "whatever" when we should be saying WHATEVER IT TAKES!!
    We tend to look at the outside, not seeing what may be on the inside.  On the inside the person may be crying out desperately for help, for Jesus, for salvation; whereas the outside is rough, shoddy looking, and not pleasing to the eye.
   If a really raggedy person came into your church, went to the front, would you greet him/her or shun him/her?
   If the church is having a baked potato paloosa and a man walked in with a beer in his hand, would you greet him, feed him, and share the word OR chastise him by telling him alcohol was not allowed in the church?
   If an unkept person walked in to your church, smelled bad, wreaked of body odor, would you invite him/her to sit with you and share the word OR sit far away because he/she was offensive?
   What would Paul, the apostle have done?  More importantly, what would Jesus have done?  And, now, most importantly---what would you do?  Where is your heart?  
   We can live pretty on the outside, have many "material" things; however, this does not make you a candidate for heaven.  Just as Lazarus and the rich man; Lazarus had nothing in life--the rich man had everything in life; upon death, and for eternity, the rich man had torment and hell while Lazarus had eternal life with God the Father.
   Where are you today my friend?  Judging from the outside- whatever-; OR, whatever it takes - and going the extra step, the extra yard, the extra mile?  To hell you say, OR To heaven and beyond!!!! Love you all!!!
   In Christ's Love and Grace
     Johnny
p.s. Lazarus and rich man Luke 16:23-
tomorrow look at Psalm 73

Two in the field; one is taken; which one are you? Up or down elevator? Matthew 24:40-42

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
   Did you think about the question: "How would you show God you loved Him if you lived in a deserted cave?"  Brings to mind many interesting things.
    Back to Matthew 24, in the following verses the words speak volumes if you will stop and think about them: 
⁴⁰ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴¹ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
 This text is quite interesting and important.  Two in the field, one taken, the other left; two women grinding, one taken, the other left; what does this mean to you?  Theologians differ on theories; one says the taken is heaven bound and the one left is going to judgement, while the other theory is just the opposite. The one left is heaven bound, the one taken is going to judgement.  Okay, for my reading, study, and understanding.
   This relates back to Noah and his family.  The people were marrying, eating, drinking and having a party, worried about nothing; living a full sinful life.  Noah and his family were the only ones who found favor with God.  Noah's family was "left behind" as the flood waters rose and killed man who had become sinful.  Such, I believe, are these verses, two and one taken -- I believe the taken had favor with God and ascended unto heaven.  The other left remained on earth to endure the judgement.
   Verse 42 tells us we will not know when the LORD will come.  If we knew, then you could live any way you wished and then at the 11th hour call upon God.  God does not want this. God wants us to be obedient and prepared for the final buzzer to sound.  When a game is over we can relive it in our minds but the outcome remains the same.  We cannot be as the richman and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 when the richman, in hell, cried out to Father Abraham just for a touch of water to ease his torment.  ²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
   So, my friend, where will you be at the final buzzer?  Right now, today, are you as the richman, enjoying the riches of life, or are you living a life for God?  Yes, we can enjoy the "riches" of life, yet still serve the LORD, however, the point here is: "Which one is your God? AND Are you ready for the end to come?"  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
 p.s. being a good person gets you not into heaven;
being reborn of the spirit gets you into heaven! 

Alone, deserted, living in a cave-How would you show God your love for Him?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    WOW!!!! What an awesome GOD we serve!!!  The hymn Precious Lord in on my other blog.  To read it click on PRECIOUS LORD.
  Last night at Bible study pastor asked us an open and honest question: "How do you show you love God?"  And of course there was a variety of answers, then he asked this next question which I would ask you to read, then stop and ponder for a moment:  "If you were in a cave, absolutely no one around, just you---how would you show God you loved him?"
   Just think about this for a moment.  No one around you cannot share the word, prayer with people, preach or teach the word, work in the church, so.........how would you show your love for HIM?!?!
   After the variety of answers he said, go to I Corinthians.  Oh....yeah.....we all know the love chapter.  Yes, but look at this: If you were alone, just you and God in a cave how would you show love to HIM:
⁴ Love is very patient and kind,----can you wait on the LORD, stop, listen, and be patient?
 never jealous or envious,----not wanting what God has, but to admire God for who HE is
never boastful or proud,----being humble as you walk and talk with the LORD
  ⁵ never haughty or selfish or rude.----wanting only what God wants, not about yourself
Love does not demand its own way.----we don't tell God how and what to do, but be obedient
It is not irritable or touchy.----we don't allow things to bother us as we are talking and waiting on the LORD
 It does not hold grudges----not being mad about where you are and angry at God
 and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.----oh, this is a tough one for all of us who like control, God does not do it wrong, just not how "I" want it, wow!
  ⁶ It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.----Enjoy the honesty and truthfulness, not revenge
  ⁷ If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost.----Here is another tough one, being loyal, against any adversity that comes your way...be loyal to God.
 You will always believe in him,----look up to God, don't let satan cast doubt
 always expect the best of him,----know that God gives you His best, you should give your best
 and always stand your ground in defending him.----stand strong in your faith and don't crawfish (run backwards) when someone questions or speaks against the one true living God.
     Now what you have read is my interpretation of what pastor said, you may have your own; but, how would you show God your love if you were alone, deserted, in a cave, just you and GOD? Love you all. 
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny

I have time, I just want to enjoy life now! Matthew 24:36-39

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!
  Jesus spoke and said heaven and earth would pass away but HIS (God's) word would remain.  I do hope you thought about this and what it means. Now on to verse 36.
    Matthew 24:
³⁶ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
    Who will know?  No one, not one, not even Jesus......only God himself knows when heaven and earth will pass away.

³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
   Remember reading of Noah (not the movie, but the read version in the Bible)?  The people were filled with evil, so much that God could no longer stand to allow their existence.  The people scoffed at God, scoffed and made fun of Noah, the lunatic, for building this big "thing" called an Ark!  What an idiot....huh....wait..what?.....where did all this water come from?  Hey, Noah, my man, let us in.  Oops---too late!
³⁸ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
  Yep, much as today, we celebrate the movie stars, the athletes, watching ignorant things such as the Kardashians, the Bachelor, and "reality" t.v.  We eat, drink, marry, have children, and think nothing of the impending doom coming to us individually and collectively.  I have time to accept God, 'if' He is real.  Huh?  This is definitely a statement of ignorance.  How would one know they had time since the only one who knows when our personal end will be, as well as the end of the heaven and earth, the end for all mankind. 
³⁹ And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  Yessirree, verse 39. they knew not until the flood came and took them all away so it will be when the return of Christ.  Suddenly the saved, the reborn in Christ, the born again Christians, will revel in the rapture, whereas others will experience sorrow, fear like they have never know, and realize "God is for real!" 
   Where are you today my friend?  Where is your family today?  Living life to its fullest or living a life of Christ, spreading the good news, casting seeds on the ground whether it be fertile, thorny, or hard surface?  Pray, spread the news, and rejoice in a living God.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
   Johnny
tomorrow: here 1 moment; gone the next.

What will never disappear? GOD'S WORD!!!!

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
    Sorry I missed Friday and Monday.  Sometimes things happen (the devil you say) and it seems hard to return and do what we must.  We stopped at asking you if you thought you, now, and you impending death is the return of Christ for you, for me.  Just food for thought.
  Look at Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear."
KJV "³⁵ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
   What is this telling us?  It is saying that one day in time, in the future, there will be no heaven or earth as we know it.  All gone! Kapoot! Zip! Blam! Gone!  Why?  God created it all and created man.  Then, as in Noah's day, man became less Godly and more wicked, leading to a flood.
   Oh, but God made a covenant with Noah that HE would flood the earth never again as HE did with Noah.  Yes, this is true.  However, (don't you just love the words like however or but) God did not say he would never destroy the earth, just not flood all mankind again.
   Think about this huge undertaking - destroy heaven and earth.   A really difficult thing to do, UNLESSS, again, UNLESS you are GOD.  Everything was created with words.  God can speak the heavens and earth into non-existence just as HE spoke them into existence.
  Are you ready?  More tomorrow about being ready.  Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
  Johnny